Regulation of gonadal maturation in fish: role of long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs and their applications in Fish Farming

• Grant number: 23/13211-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: March 01, 2024
• End date: February 28, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Fishery Resources and Fishery Engineering - Aquaculture
• Principal Investigator: Rafael Henrique Nóbrega
• Grantee: Beatriz Marques de Souza
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Fertility in males is a process that depends on the differentiation of germ cells, with the purpose of producing millions of sperm during the male reproductive life. This production is regulated by a balance between the processes of self-renewal and differentiation of Spermatogonial stem cells. Recently, lncRNAs have been recognized to play a vital role in regulating spermatogenesis, affecting processes such as cell proliferation and apoptosis. Despite extensive studies on miRNAs, siRNAs, and piRNAs to understand male germ cells, the role of these ncRNAs remains largely unknown. Therefore, understanding the role of ncRNAs in regulating the undifferentiated state of Spermatogonial stem cells can provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of gonadal maturation in fish. In order to deepen our knowledge about gene regulation in spermatogonial differentiation, the present project will have the following objectives: 1) Investigate the set of transcripts (transcriptome) and miRNAs (microRNome) expressed in zebrafish (Danio rerio) testes subjected to the action of follicle hormone stimulant (Fsh), in culture; 2) Identify and characterize the lncRNAs and miRNAs expressed during zebrafish gonadal maturation; 3) Functionally validate the role of some of the differentially expressed lncRNAs through their inhibition by GAPmer using testicular explants; 4) Investigate the existence of plasma markers (c-miRNAs) for the different stages of gonadal maturation in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus), a native Brazilian species of great interest for national fish farming. Therefore, we hope that the results obtained in this project can generate knowledge about the regulation of gonadal maturation in fish, in addition to identifying plasma markers of gonadal maturation in a native species, with practical implications in the monitoring and selection of reproductively mature animals, assisting in strategies management in fish farming in Brazil. (AU)